Post by MrsLangdonAlger on Mar 27, 2014 20:46:19 GMT -5
Well, maybe if you didn't judge the experience while it was happening...
Even though I have seen most of Rectify more than five times at this point, the opening scene alone had me so excited to revisit this mesmerizing, emotional show. The sequence does an amazing job of setting the tone through atmospheric cinematography, intense acting and a gentle, sad score. The show also immediately does a great job of showing, not telling. For example, the audience knows plenty about the Holden family and other related characters without someone having to play The Exposition Fairy and explain it all to us. For example, the scenes between Ted, Jr. and Janet on the phone and with Amantha as well give us a great deal of suggested background information.
One thing that always strikes me when watching the show is how well Aden Young does with the role. Walton Goggins was the first person that the team had in mind for the role of Daniel, and while I love me some Goggins, I am so glad Young got the part instead. We get evidence of how perfectly he walked into the role from several things early on. First, his micro-expression as the guard offers him the small kindness of tying his tie for him is brilliant and heartbreaking. Also impressive is Daniel's constant trouble looking people directly in the eyes for any length of time, which telegraphs so much about how long he's been in prison and alone. Another great moment of acting is his mother practically screaming with joy upon seeing him again.
Next we have the introduction of Kerwin Whitman, who can barely restrain his tears as he enters his cell. The friendship he and Daniel build from adjacent rooms, presumably never actually seeing each other, is a thread helping both of them retain some sanity and human connection in a horrible situation.
Watching Tawney and Ted, Jr. interact is always an interesting, sometimes frustrating part of this show. Tawney is full of quiet sympathy. Ted, Jr. does become somewhat more sympathetic later in the show, but in this episode his alternating indifference and hostility towards Daniel is infuriating.
We get what turns out to be a wonderfully tense scene of Amantha and Daniel driving all night, shortly after being followed by the sheriff. Amantha releases her anger and hurt in very brief tears at the situation the brother she loves remains in, and then we see her and Daniel standing in a field as the sun comes up in a scene that defines their relationship well.
One thing I notice as I watch this again is how off-putting I often find the conversations between the sheriff and senator, or really anyone not in the immediate supportive circle surrounding Daniel. There is a quiet, introspective quality in the latter scenes, and it can be jarring to watch the former scenes and lose that quality. They are, of course, necessary scenes for the plot and fascinating in their own way.
Jared, as the youngest family member dealing with this upheaval, is touching to watch. His reaching out to Daniel over DVDs is a hopeful scene for Daniel reconnecting with his family. Of course, this hopeful scene is inter-cut not just with Tawney praying, but with George Melton killing himself. That final shot (pun intended because I'm awful) leaves the viewer desperate to learn more of what really happened to Hanna, and why Daniel was implicated for it. I watched this show for the first time on Netflix all in one day. I cannot imagine having had to wait a week for it!
More next week as I watch episode 2!
Episode Grade: A
Other observations:
The score for this is perfect, as is the selection of songs. Both the song we hear as they drive away from prison and the one at the closing sequence are perfect.
The actor who plays Ted, Jr. has one of the most punchable faces I've ever seen.
The shot of Amantha laying in the grass while on the phone is beautiful. One thing I love about this show is that is has many scenes that are completely beautifully composed, for no plot-furthering reason, but seemingly just to build atmosphere, It's remarkably effective!
Love Kerwin and Daniel's conversation going from a funny discussion about books to a deep one about being in prison, to joking banter again. They've made their conversations so normal despite the oddness of their situation!
Even though I have seen most of Rectify more than five times at this point, the opening scene alone had me so excited to revisit this mesmerizing, emotional show. The sequence does an amazing job of setting the tone through atmospheric cinematography, intense acting and a gentle, sad score. The show also immediately does a great job of showing, not telling. For example, the audience knows plenty about the Holden family and other related characters without someone having to play The Exposition Fairy and explain it all to us. For example, the scenes between Ted, Jr. and Janet on the phone and with Amantha as well give us a great deal of suggested background information.
One thing that always strikes me when watching the show is how well Aden Young does with the role. Walton Goggins was the first person that the team had in mind for the role of Daniel, and while I love me some Goggins, I am so glad Young got the part instead. We get evidence of how perfectly he walked into the role from several things early on. First, his micro-expression as the guard offers him the small kindness of tying his tie for him is brilliant and heartbreaking. Also impressive is Daniel's constant trouble looking people directly in the eyes for any length of time, which telegraphs so much about how long he's been in prison and alone. Another great moment of acting is his mother practically screaming with joy upon seeing him again.
Next we have the introduction of Kerwin Whitman, who can barely restrain his tears as he enters his cell. The friendship he and Daniel build from adjacent rooms, presumably never actually seeing each other, is a thread helping both of them retain some sanity and human connection in a horrible situation.
Watching Tawney and Ted, Jr. interact is always an interesting, sometimes frustrating part of this show. Tawney is full of quiet sympathy. Ted, Jr. does become somewhat more sympathetic later in the show, but in this episode his alternating indifference and hostility towards Daniel is infuriating.
We get what turns out to be a wonderfully tense scene of Amantha and Daniel driving all night, shortly after being followed by the sheriff. Amantha releases her anger and hurt in very brief tears at the situation the brother she loves remains in, and then we see her and Daniel standing in a field as the sun comes up in a scene that defines their relationship well.
One thing I notice as I watch this again is how off-putting I often find the conversations between the sheriff and senator, or really anyone not in the immediate supportive circle surrounding Daniel. There is a quiet, introspective quality in the latter scenes, and it can be jarring to watch the former scenes and lose that quality. They are, of course, necessary scenes for the plot and fascinating in their own way.
Jared, as the youngest family member dealing with this upheaval, is touching to watch. His reaching out to Daniel over DVDs is a hopeful scene for Daniel reconnecting with his family. Of course, this hopeful scene is inter-cut not just with Tawney praying, but with George Melton killing himself. That final shot (pun intended because I'm awful) leaves the viewer desperate to learn more of what really happened to Hanna, and why Daniel was implicated for it. I watched this show for the first time on Netflix all in one day. I cannot imagine having had to wait a week for it!
More next week as I watch episode 2!
Episode Grade: A
Other observations:
The score for this is perfect, as is the selection of songs. Both the song we hear as they drive away from prison and the one at the closing sequence are perfect.
The actor who plays Ted, Jr. has one of the most punchable faces I've ever seen.
The shot of Amantha laying in the grass while on the phone is beautiful. One thing I love about this show is that is has many scenes that are completely beautifully composed, for no plot-furthering reason, but seemingly just to build atmosphere, It's remarkably effective!
Love Kerwin and Daniel's conversation going from a funny discussion about books to a deep one about being in prison, to joking banter again. They've made their conversations so normal despite the oddness of their situation!
